DIVORCE MEDIATION
There are times when divorce is inevitable. We believe in marriage, but we accept this reality. When it has to happen, the
damage can be minimized if couples are given the opportunity to make informed choices about what's best for them and their
children in a climate of cooperation and respect. For that reason, Wendy Pitts Reeves, L.C.S.W. has completed advanced
training and is a listed Rule 31 Family Mediator with the Tennessee State Supreme Court. Through the process of mediation,
she can help both of you evaluate your options and decide what is "fair and equitable" for each of you as your work out a
divorce agreement. Choosing mediation over litigation allows you to keep control over the process, and empowers you both
to decide what's right for you. For more information on mediation, contact Wendy by email or by phone.Divorce Mediation is...*
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Non-adversarial: You are partners in decision-making. Though there are likely to be areas of conflict, the
mediator will help to limit that conflict and keep the discussion productive. Mutual: You must both agree on solutions, or there is no agreement. Private: Anything you present in court becomes a matter of public record. In mediation, nothing goes outside the room except your final Memorandum of Agreement. Faster: A litigated divorce can take months, even years, to resolve. The average mediation takes 8-12 hours to complete. Cheaper: Litigating a divorce can literally cost thousands of dollars. The cost of mediation is an hour, plus a one-time fee for the Memorandum of Agreement. There is no retainer. You pay as you go, and only for the time you use. Empowering: You retain all of your legal rights. Most important of all, you make your own decisions, and retain control over your own lives. |
"The spread of mediation can do much to improve the quality of life in our society, not only because of the savings it brings, but because it fosters interaction among people and empowers them to control their own lives." |
*Copyright in Part, 1991, John M. Hayes, Ph.D.
"My personal experience is
you go in scared and angry at
your spouse, but when the whole
process is over with, you feel
like you've been heard."
--Scott Roy
The Daily Times 9/7/98
Providers:
Wendy Pitts Reeves, L.C.S.W.
CUSTODY EVALUATIONS
When families are undergoing divorce, there is sometimes a disagreement about who should have custody of the children.
A custody evaluation may be necessary when parents are unable to agree or need assistance in identifying what a child
needs.At Cove Mountain Counseling, we provide comprehensive custody evaluations as a "friend of the Court." This evaluation must be court-ordered, and both parents must participate. Custody evaluations are performed by two professionals. The evaluation process may involve psychological testing of parents, children and/or step parents; interviews with all adults and children; and observed interactions of adults with the children. In addition, information is obtained from the child's school, physician and others who are involved with the family. At completion of the evaluation, a report is submitted to the Court, including recommendations for a custody arrangement that supports the child's legitimate needs for each parent. If necessary, one or both psychologists can testify in court.
Both parties typically make payment for the Custody Evaluation and report, and payment is made in advance. Charges are determined by the number of people who must be evaluated, and the extent of the evaluation needed. If court testimonies about the report or evaluation are needed, the party who subpoenas the clinician(s) pays them.
Providers:
Linda Pucci, Ph.D.
Karen Bartley, Ph.D.